Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

The Gorilla trekking adventure activity is the flagship of tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arguably the best wildlife adventure in the world, the Gorilla trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face to face with the last of the wild Mountain Gorillas in their untouched habitat. Mountain Gorillas are known not to survive out of their natural habitat hence you cannot find Mountain Gorillas (not to be confused with lowland Gorillas) in Zoos! There are up to 12 habituated Gorilla families in Bwindi and each is available for tracking by a group of not more than 8 tourists who can be with the gorillas for only one hour. On persons of 15 years, and above are allowed to track the Gorillas.

Bwindi is divided into 4 centres/regions from which to set off for the gorilla trek, namely Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga.

More about gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla Habituation Experience trek

The gorilla habituation experience trek in Bwindi National Park is the alternative to the gorilla trek if you want to have a chance to see the gorillas a little longer. The traditional gorilla trek allows just one hour to be around the gorillas after finding them, the habitation experience on the other hand is a total of 4 hours including the time takes while trekking to find them. If you find them in about an hour then you have a chance to see them for the 3 remaining hours. Only one gorilla group is available for the habituation experience and no more than 4 participants are allowed for a day’s session.

Birding in Bwindi National Park

When it comes to birding tours in Uganda Bwindi National Park is a birding destination that does not miss on the Uganda birding itinerary. It is one of Uganda’s Important Bird Areas (IBA) and is ranked Africa’s number one birding spot. There are 23 out of 24 of Uganda’s Albertine Rift Endemic birds. The Ruhija area of Bwindi offers an almost guaranteed sighting of the African Green Broadbill – one of the top ten most sought-after birds for twitchers in Uganda. Other highly sought-after birds of Bwindi include Shelly’s Crimsonwing, Dwarf Honeyguide, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Laden’s bush shrike, and Oberlaender’s ground thrush.

Nature walks – Waterfalls trail trek

Other than the famous Mountain Gorilla trek, Bwindi offers wonderful nature treks into the forest. There are several well-maintained trails and wide tracks that lead through the forest offering great views of the forest and plenty of wildlife. The most interesting trail is one in the Buhoma area of the park which leads to beautiful waterfalls. On the trek, you get to observe a range of tree species and flowery plants and encounter some of the forest’s inhabitants including plenty of birds, butterflies, monkeys, chameleons, and forest elephants. On a lucky day, you could as well encounter the Gorillas. Tired and sweaty from the trek, take a plunge into the cold whirlpool below the waterfalls, swim and enjoy the wonderful natural moment before trekking back. This is a wonderful trek more so if you miss out on the Gorilla trek. The round trek takes close to 4 hours.

Batwa Trails Walk

The Batwa are former inhabitants of Bwindi forest who not so long ago were evicted by the government as one of the efforts to conserve the park and protect the gorillas. They depended on the forest for their livelihoods, living as hunters and gatherers. They have a deep connection to the forest. There are well-organized trails into the forest where the Batwa show visitors their way of life during the time they lived in the forest. They will take you through their hunting routines, traditions and customs, show you their tree houses, and show you many medicinal plants which provide their treatment for some sicknesses. At the end of the trail, you are treated to traditional dances.